Episode 120 - Gary Corbett Part 2

To say that last week's ⁠part 1⁠ of our conversation with keyboardist Gary Corbett was popular would be an understatement. In just 7 days, part 1 exceeded download totals for any episode in show history. The audience feedback was overwhelming with many, especially KISS fans, expressing gratitude for a peak behind the curtain of a working band that has had its share of controversy. This week's second half is no exception.

We then segue into discussion of Eric Carr's decline in health. Gary describes the physical symptoms that cropped up during the end of the⁠Hot in the Shade tour⁠and the subsequent surgeries and chemotherapy.

Many rumors have swirled around for years about Eric Carr's status in the band after his cancer diagnosis. Gary shares his memories of what took place between Carr and his KISS bandmates and what led to Carr's family cutting off all contact to Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley during the end of Eric's life.

Gary also shares his objections to certain things portrayed in ⁠The Eric Carr Story by Greg Prato⁠; a book in which Corbett is quoted alongside Bruce Kulick, Carrie Stevens, and others that were close to the late drummer. He also states how his side of things are backed up by, what many would consider, a surprising source.

Hot in the Shade was released as, basically, a collection of demos that were polished up for cost-cutting measures. Gary explains how one of the biggest tracks on ⁠Hot in the Shade⁠ featured a future lineup of KISS.

Gary then takes us a bit by surprise by stating that Eric Carr was, indeed, fired by KISS and explains the different ways in which they were pushing to attain his exit from the band during a very difficult time as well as their motivation.

Gary then shares details of the funeral and the tension that hung in the air as Eric's KISS bandmates showed up for the services. He also talks about the infamous feud between Gene Simmons and ⁠Howard Stern⁠ due to Stern's comments on the air about Eric's death. Gary reveals his role in this drama that wound up being played out on Stern's television show later. He also shares details of the icy reception for Simmons and Stanley at the post-funeral dinner.

One positive note from the funeral is shared by Gary as he describes the miles-long turnout of thousands of fans along the road for the procession. Despite the fan support though, Carr's parents were uncomfortable with the attention.

Chris tells Gary about seeing footage of he and Carr goofing off on camera during the Hot in the Shade rehearsals in bootleg footage that circulates among fans as Exposed II. Gary goes on to discuss some footage that he took himself of the band during the band's ⁠Smashes Thrashes and Hits ⁠tour and, in particular, a certain story of Carr experiencing hash in Amsterdam for the first time.

Gary describes some of the conversations that took place among the band during the Hot in the Shade era including the Paul and Gene's stories of Ace and Peter, talks of a possible reunion, and the tension that resulted from a makeup-era flashback scene that was filmed for the ⁠'Rise to It'⁠ video.

The Decibel Geek podcast would like to thank Gary Corbett for a such an open, frank conversation.

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